The 10th annual ACAP Conference in Seattle brought together Croatian and Croatian-American professionals from around the world, with artificial intelligence, Croatian identity and stronger diaspora ties at the center of its final day.
Organized by the Association of Croatian American Professionals, the conference gathered entrepreneurs, scientists, lawyers, media professionals, government representatives and members of the Croatian community.
This year’s ACAP Conference in Seattle carried the theme “Croatian Excellence: Celebrating the Decade, Engineering the Century,” marking a decade of conferences while looking toward new generations, partnerships and projects.
The final day opened with a group viewing of Croatia’s UEFA Nations League match against England. Director and GameChange co-founder Jack Baric also presented a preview of “More Than A Dream,” a documentary about Croatia’s 1992 Olympic basketball team.
AI, Croatian Identity and Global Media Take Center Stage
One major discussion focused on preserving Croatian language, culture and identity. Mladen Barać, Matthew McGrath and CroatiaFest co-founder Kristen LeMieux joined the panel, moderated by Croatian Consul General in Los Angeles Renée Pea.
Technology also played a central role. Researcher and technology leader Hrvoje Benko delivered a keynote titled “Augmented Reality in the Age of Agentic AI: Human Superpowers, not Rogue Superintelligence.”
Benko explored developments in augmented reality and artificial intelligence. In particular, he discussed how technology could expand human capabilities rather than replace them.
Another panel reviewed Croatia’s development over the past 35 years. Mato Njavro, Mislav Tolušić, Luka Mišetić and John P. Kraljic discussed the economy, investment, institutions and Croatia’s international position.
Meanwhile, breakout sessions covered careers, healthcare, Croatian consular services and real estate investment in Croatia. Participants also discussed the experience of moving between continents and Croatian Americans working in U.S. public service.
The conference also addressed the future of Croatian media. Croatians Online President Sanja Bogović moderated a panel featuring Vladimir Brnardić, Matthew McGrath, Martin S. Kajić and Hypefy.ai CEO Stjepan Zelić.
Their discussion examined how media, digital platforms and emerging technologies can connect Croatian audiences at home and abroad.
Author and international speaker Kristina Kuzmic delivered another keynote, “Honoring the Roots, Breaking the Rules.” She addressed identity, belonging, personal challenges and relationships with cultural roots in a global Croatian community.
ACAP Conference in Seattle Ends With Gala and Awards
The conference attracted several Croatian government and diplomatic representatives. They included Croatian Ambassador to the United States Pjer Šimunović and consuls general Renée Pea and Nikica Kopačević.
Other participants included representatives of Croatian ministries and institutions, as well as honorary consuls and diplomatic representatives from outside the United States.
The anniversary conference concluded with a gala and awards ceremony. Anna Milišić Kunza performed the U.S. national anthem, while Roko Blažević performed the Croatian anthem.
ACAP President Nikola Meteš, ACAP Zagreb President Don Markušić and Ambassador Šimunović addressed attendees during the formal program.
Organizers also presented ACAP Foundation projects, scholarships and educational initiatives. In addition, the evening recognized individuals for professional achievements, innovation and contributions to the Croatian community.
CroatiaFest received special recognition for its long-term work preserving and promoting Croatian culture and heritage in the Pacific Northwest.
Conference host Vedran Brozović thanked participants, speakers, partners and organizers during his closing remarks. He emphasized connections between Croatians at home and abroad and highlighted Croatia’s role in the technological changes driven by artificial intelligence.
After 10 annual conferences, organizers presented the Seattle gathering as a foundation for ACAP’s next phase and deeper cooperation among Croatian professionals and communities worldwide.
